Lights

in Collaboration with the Virginia Film Festival

For nearly three decades, the Virginia Pep Band was loved by students, hesitantly supported by administrators, and reviled by others. Sports, humor, and culture collided in the performances of this unique, student-run organization as it realized its goal of entertaining sports fans while addressing current events around Charlottesville, the nation, and the world.

Founded in 1974 as a light-hearted scramble band, the Pep Band ran into its first major controversy in the fall of 1977 after offending the acting governor of Maryland. Laughter, mayhem, and adversity continued to follow the band from Scott Stadium to the Superdome until 2003 when it was permanently barred from all university events.

During its time, the band established itself as one of the University of Virginia’s most popular new traditions, leaving its mark on generations of students and alumni, visiting fans, local and national press, and a legion of former band member for whom wearing the orange vest and performing on Game Day marked the high point of their college experience.

In Pep Banned, band alumni, administrators, athletes, journalists, and fans come together to tell the story of this iconic organization—from its humble beginnings to its rise to celebrity status on Grounds to its seemingly inevitable downfall—and to relive one of the truly entertaining eras in UVa history.

Join us after the film for a panel with members of the band and filmmakers!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The Paramount Theater is pleased to bring diverse programming to the stage and screen. The Theater does not provide advisories about subject matter for events, as sensitivities vary. Not all events may appeal to, or be appropriate for, every person. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows offered in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

In addition to show synopses, trailers, and reviews on our web events, other resources about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches. For further questions, please contact the Box Office at 434.979.1333 or at boxoffice@theparamount.net, 10AM-2PM Monday-Friday + 1 hour before events.